We, the undersigned, represent men imprisoned at Guantánamo Bay and write
this letter on behalf of habeas counsel about a matter that appears to be
rapidly deteriorating and reaching a potentially critical level. We understand
through reports by several detainees to their counsel that conditions in the
camps have worsened to the point that all but a few menhave now gone on a hunger
strike in protest.

Specifically, we understand that since approximately February 6, 2013,
camp authorities have been confiscating detainees’ personal items, including
blankets, sheets, towels, mats, razors, toothbrushes, books, family photos,
religious CDs, and letters, including legal mail; and restricting their
exercise, seemingly without provocation or cause. Moreover, we understand that Arabic
interpreters employed by the prison have been searching the men’s Qur’ans in
ways that constitute desecration according to their religious beliefs, and that
guards have been disrespectful during prayer times. These actions, and the fact that they have affected so many men, indicate a significant departure from the way in which the rules have been formulated and implemented over the past few years.

As a result of these practices, we understand that the men are suffering
greatly and that a large number have gone on a hunger strike, which is now in
its third week. As their health has deteriorated, we have received reports of
men coughing up blood, being hospitalized, losing consciousness, becoming weak
and fatigued, and being moved to Camp V for observation. Detainees have also expressed
feeling increased stress, fear, and despair. It is clear that their health will
only worsen unless and until the hunger strike ends, which requires taking immediate
steps to address the reasons for their protest.

The actions taken by camp authorities cannot be evaluated in isolation. As you are well aware,
prior instances of mistreatment, including mistreatment of the Qu’ran, have led
to protests, including widespread hunger strikes that have placed the prisoners’
lives and health in jeopardy. The practices occurring today threaten to turn
back the clock to the worst moments of Guantánamo’s history, and return the
prison to conditions that caused great suffering to our clients and were
condemned by the public at large. If prior experience serves as any guide, the
current practices risk dire consequences and will only invite outside scrutiny.

The current situation has also affected and will continue to affect our
access to our clients and our ability to effectively represent them, since the
hunger strike has already prevented some of them from taking our
calls, meeting with us, and being able to participate fully when we are able to
speak with them about their cases.

Accordingly, we write to request that you take immediate measures to bring
an end this potentially life-threatening situation in the camps by addressing
the reasons that give rise to it. Camp authorities must cease the arbitrary and
regressive practices being reported by our clients, including all intrusive
searches of the Qur’an.

Given the urgency of this matter, we request a response to this letter,
including steps the authorities are taking to address the situation, no later
than Wednesday, March 6, 2013, care of Pardiss Kebriaei at the Center for Constitutional
Rights by electronic mail, fax, or telephone. Further, we request that you meet
with habeas counsel David Remes, who will be at Guantánamo on Monday, March 4,
to discuss the matter in person.

We hope this matter can be resolved quickly and cooperatively. We
reserve the right to take further action should we not reach a mutually
acceptable solution. Please contact us
if we can provide you with further information. We look forward to hearing from
you by March 6.